The first video shown here collects some of the intro/outro scenes from a series of videos I wrote and directed for Amaze.org. Amaze develops honest and accessible sex education content that makes sensitive topics feel less awkward. Here are a few ways we engaged Amaze.org’s target audience of young adolescents.

WE FRAMED LESSONS AS CONVERSATIONS: Our videos typically opened with middle schooler Kevin’s misunderstanding a familiar scenario related to our topic. In response, Kevin’s more informed friend Sara correctly explains the core content, answering Kevin’s follow-ups along the way. To close, we’d pay off the opening premise by showing what Kevin learned, and stick the landing with a satisfying button.

WE LED WITH HUMOR: Without minimizing their importance, humor disarms potentially uncomfortable topics. We built our opening scenarios on character-driven comedy that quickly grabbed attention and created a fun space for engagement, identification, and retention.

WE FOCUSED ON STORY: Quality character animation is labor intensive and can be difficult to deliver on a non-profit budget. So, after developing resource-friendly character rigs, we focused animator time on story-driven scenes (where more specific performances would make the biggest impact) and templatized the content-heavy middle sections, using original artwork and kinetic text animation to deliver the key takeaways with clarity and momentum.

WE DEVELOPED A SERIES FEEL: Our audience got to know and relate with our characters across multiple videos, and they enjoyed spotting the easter eggs we planted across the Amaze universe. Plus, each new episode organically expanded our library of reusable assets, helping us work more efficiently.

WE CAST COMPELLING (HUMAN) VOICE TALENT: A strong cast can energize any script with heart and humor. With experience across TV, video games, improv comedy, and more, our cast performed with an honesty that AI can’t replicate. Whether your goal is connection or comedy, authentic voice talent is a must-have.

WE LEVERAGED OUR TEAM EXPERIENCE: I wrote/directed this series during my tenure at IdeaMachine Studio, where I was lucky to build long-term creative relationships with a talented and close team. Our experience together enabled everyone to express their personal style within the shared direction, which naturally elevated the final result and enabled us to exceed the sum of our parts - and our budget.

The result? Our episodes overperformed in views and engagement, generating lively viewer commentary and loyal fans. Audience comments displayed a strong understanding of the content and enjoyed quoting back the jokes or speaking directly to the characters.

And the takeaways? Strong storytelling and sincere humor draw in young viewers, encouraging them to join the conversation and take an active role in learning.